Description

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Follow the remarkable journey of a trailblazing American leader, Dr. Antonia Novello, the first woman and the first Hispanic Surgeon General of the United States 
Dr. Antonia Novello is a vanguard in the United States and Puerto Rico, whose enduring commitment to service has left an indelible mark on the world of public health. With a distinguished career spanning more than four decades, including serving as the US Surgeon General and the New York State Commissioner of Health during 9/11, her story highlights an unwavering dedication to improving the well-being of individuals and communities.   
Dr. Novello’s story is one of challenges faced and overcome, of resilience and perseverance, and of shattering glass ceilings and opening doors for future generations of leaders. With honesty and openness, she shares her early battles with childhood illness and her desire to overcome stereotypes, while also chronicling her meteoric rise through various roles in the field of health care, leading to her service as the nation’s top medical officer. From her struggles to her celebrations to her tireless advocacy for the health of young people, each chapter offers a glimpse into the resilience and wisdom that have shaped her life, unveiling the profound lessons she has gathered along the way. 
 
In Duty Calls, readers will learn about: 

• Dr. Novello’s early life and her struggles with congenital megacolon   
• Her medical school and internship experiences   
• How she became the first female/first Hispanic Surgeon General of the United States   
• Dr. Novello’s work as the New York State Commissioner of Health during 9/11   
• Her efforts to vaccinate and provide health care resources to her home in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria   
• Wisdom and insights Dr. Novello gained through her life experiences, as well as her advice for the next generation (and everyone else!) 

About the Author

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Dr. Antonia Coello Novello was born in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. She graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with a B.S. and an M.D. She completed her residency/internship in pediatrics at the University of Michigan, and a fellowship in pediatric nephrology at the University of Michigan and Georgetown University. Also, she received a Master’ s and a Doctor of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University. On 1990, Dr. Antonia Novello was sworn as the 14th Surgeon General of the U.S. Public Health Service, and became the first woman and the first Hispanic ever to hold this position.
 
Jill S. Tietjen, PE, is an author, international speaker, and an electrical engineer. After more than 45 years in the electric utility industry, her professional focus is now on women’ s advocacy, worldwide. A former blogger for The Huffington Post, she speaks internationally on the accomplishments of women, nominates women for awards, and continues to write books (12 published to date), following in the footsteps of her bestselling and award-winning books.

Praise For…

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"In this chronicle of her achievements and the harrowing physical disability she overcame, Novello, writing with Tietjen, offers conventional inspiration and praise for those who inspired her, without ignoring those who stood in her way."
— Kirkus Reviews

“One can easily be impressed by the accolades and awards that a person has gathered through the years. I am certainly fascinated by Dr. Novello’s accomplishments and trajectory from Puerto Rico to United States Surgeon General. But what truly touches my heart and deeply impresses me is to see how a human being cares for another human being in a time of need—a time when that other human being may be losing a battle to cancer and saying their last goodbyes, last words, last wishes. I was mesmerized to see Dr. Toni Novello taking care of her former husband, Dr. Joe Novello, as he was battling brain cancer. It was beautiful to see how Toni cared for him, and it reinforced in me the beauty of humanity. Thank you, Toni, for giving me this gift to witness the beauty of humanity. Reading this book allows me to dream of a better world.” 
– Dr. Q—Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa, MD, FAANS, FACS, William J. and Charles H. Mayo Professor, Monica Flynn Jacoby Endowed Chair, Neurologic Surgery Chair, James C. and Sarah K. Kennedy Dean of Research, Mayo Clinic
 
“Duty Calls demonstrates that Dr. Antonia Novello’s legacy of leadership is built upon her unwavering commitment to serve those in need, regardless of her position or title. Her actions during Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico stand as a testament to her tenacity and ability to motivate and mobilize those around her. Through her selfless dedication, she inspired her Angels to move mountains when hope seemed lost, leaving a lasting impact on those she served and the world around her.””
– Maria Fernanda Levis-Peralta, MPH, MPA, PCMH-CCE,
CEO, Impactivo Consulting
 
“Duty Calls underscores Dr. Novello’s strong character, high principles, and extraordinary compassion, even as she pioneered in so many areas. She is a champion of the underprivileged, sympathetic to the needs of all Americans, a sensitive and diplomatic public servant. She was successful because she did not care who got the credit, so long as the proper thing was done.”
– Rabbi Abraham Blum, New York State Chaplain; Chief, Westchester County Chaplain Office; Special Assistant, Commissioner of the Department of Correction, State of New York; Advisory Committee, Central Rabbinical Congress of the United States and Canada
 
“A rare trailblazer in the world of public health, Dr. Antonia Novello’s life of commitment and public service, as documented in Duty Calls, is nothing short of groundbreaking and inspirational.”
 – Chaine Sternburgh, CEO, Refuah Health Center
 
“My respect and admiration for Dr. Novello, which began when she was working on her doctorate at Johns Hopkins University, has been amplified by reading about the many obstacles she has overcome during her life and career. I was inspired by Duty Calls—and you will be, too!”
– Alfred Sommer, MD, Dean Emeritus, Professor Emeritus, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University
 
“Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm said, ‘Service is the rent you pay for living.’ Service has defined Dr. Novello’s life and career, as she writes in Duty Calls. It is a must-read book for every reader, novice or experienced, wanting to learn what public service is all about.”
– Major General Jose J. Reyes, Adjutant General, Puerto Rico

“Dr. Novello’s service as a humanitarian has been memorialized through the Dr. Antonia Novello Humanitarian Medallion of the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute. I am so indebted to her for saving my life, and I am thrilled to recommend her book for all to understand how she embodies humanitarianism of the highest order.”
– Juan Andrade, President, United States Hispanic Leadership Institute
 
“I was privileged to witness Dr. Novello perform admirably as a humble servant when no one was looking and there was very little to be gained. How someone performs in these circumstances reveals their true character and greatness. I hope you will read and be inspired by the story of this remarkable woman!”
– Robert Paeglow, MD, Founder, President, and Medical Director, Koinonia Primary Care
 
“How fascinating to read Duty Calls to find out the real story of this outstanding Puerto Rican pediatrician and leader in the health-care industry.”
– Norman Maldonado, MD, Chancellor, Medical Campus of the University of Puerto Rico; President, University of Puerto Rico, 1993–2001
 
“As Dr. Novello’s patient at the University of Michigan in the early 1970s, I so admire her dedication, commitment, and drive that come through so clearly in Duty Calls.”
 – Patrick Roush, President and Creative Director, Roush Specialty Services
 
“Dr. Novello’s commitment to public service is evidenced clearly in Duty Calls, along with many anecdotes that will delight its readers for their uniqueness and wisdom.”
– Sila M. Calderón, Chief of Staff to the Governor of Puerto Rico, 1985–1990; Secretary of State [Puerto Rico], 1988–1990; Mayor of San Juan, 1997–2000; Governor of Puerto Rico, 2001–2004; Chair of the Board of the Center of Puerto Rico/Sila M. Calderón Foundation
 
“Since [Dr. Novello] was the first woman and first Hispanic to become Surgeon General of the United States, this book is long overdue. Dr. Novello has proven that she cares about medicine, public health, and America. In Duty Calls, this outstanding physician, scientist, and public health leader demonstrates clearly her commitment to service and the health of all members of the public. The reader will be informed and inspired.”
– David Satcher, MD, PhD, 16th Surgeon General of the United States, 10th Assistant Secretary for Health in the Department of Health and Human Services, former Director of the Centers for Disease Control, Administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry,
and Founding Director and Senior Advisor, Satcher Health Leadership Institute, Morehouse School of Medicine
 
“This is a deeply personal story that lays it all out, both good and bad. Through her frank revelation, we are allowed to see into the heart and mind of a truly remarkable woman, physician, and public servant. It’s not just a story of glamorous achievements and recognitions, but a story that page by page shows us the essence of a life well lived through all of its challenges, obstacles, tragedy, and high-level achievements many of us may never know. At its core, this book focuses on the guiding life principles and heart of the author. They are wonderfully displayed as the story unfolds and underscore what’s behind the strength, resilience, and determined service of our friend and colleague Antonia Novello. Thank you, Antonia, for helping us learn from you as we also strive to be better servants and live meaningful, purpose-filled lives.”
 – John Zubialde, MD, Executive Dean, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
 
“A History-Making Leader. An Inspiring Life of Perseverance, Inspiration, and Milestones.
Duty Calls: Lessons Learned from an Unexpected Life of Service is an inspiring book about the challenges, triumphs, and historic achievements of The Honorable Dr. Antonia Novello, the nation’s first woman and first Hispanic US Surgeon General. Dr. Novello shares her deeply personal story of her early obstacles, her humanity, and her glass–ceiling breaking accomplishments in the medical and health professions. Dr. Novello is a nationally renowned and award-winning leader who never forgot her Hispanic and Puerto Rican roots. Reading her book will remind all of us that even when life deals us challenging and unexpected curveballs, we can still overcome and achieve success to our highest potentials while remaining core to our values. Dr. Novello’s memoir will inspire you as it inspired me.”
 
– Cid Wilson, President and CEO, Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility
 
“Dr. Novello’s dedication, compassion, kindness, sacrifice, and service to the needy and to her country are on full display in Duty Calls. She uses her intellectual capacity to its utmost, goes out of her way to help after natural disasters and during emergencies, and has never forgotten her roots throughout her life. This book tells the story of the wonderful woman I know who carries with her the noblest feelings that human beings can possess.” 

– Dr. Aida Diaz, Past President, Puerto Rico Teachers Association
 
“Through her exemplary life of service, Dr. Novello has answered to the highest call of duty: be at the service of others. As Surgeon General, she was instrumental in advocating for those more marginalized by the public health system. And during Puerto Rico’s disastrous experience with Hurricane María, Dr. Novello’s leadership and selflessness brought quick-needed relief when and where it was most needed. Her inspirational life as documented in Duty Calls is truly a life well lived.”
– Luis A. Ferré Rangel, President of the Board, Centros Sor Isolina Ferré Puerto Rico
 
“Duty Calls from Dr. Antonia Novello, the first woman and first Hispanic US Surgeon General, takes readers on an autobiographical journey from her childhood through adulthood. She details the world of medicine, her service to others, and the life lessons she has learned along the way. Nothing is left out—the good and the bad of an extraordinary life.”
– Yocasta Brugal, MD, President, CEO, and Dean, San Juan Bautista School of Medicine,
forensic and anatomic pathologist
 
“This book is a powerful reminder of the importance of knowing and owning your space as a leader. Dr. Novello offers insightful advice that will resonate with leaders across the entire continuum of their careers. Her articulation of her ability to overcome challenges and emerge successful is inspiring. I was struck by the dedication to excellence and uncompromising standards she possesses and how it shows up in her work and personal pursuits. Her life is truly a model of service and love for humanity. She exemplifies a true servant leader! I am truly grateful for her trailblazing efforts to create space for others. Phenomenal read.”
—Rear Admiral (retired) Sylvia Trent-Adams, PhD, RN, President, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth  
 
“There are moments when the best of humankind comes forward unexpectedly, and then there are moments when humankind is not acknowledged or recognized [for] doing the best of work, in silence, constantly delivering care for those in need. Dr. Novello is that special person as demonstrated in her memoir, Duty Calls. After Hurricane Maria, Dr. Novello found a way to provide health care to many. We will honor her many selfless acts of service when our emergency room and acute care clinic are finished, by naming our clinic in Dr. Novello’s honor. Her life of service has benefited so many, and her memoir will inspire countless others.”
—Tito Valentin, community activist and President, COSSAO (Corporation of Primary Health Services and Socio-Economic Development)
 
“Duty Calls: Lessons Learned from an Unexpected Life of Service is a compelling memoir of a remarkable physician [and] pediatric nephrologist, [and] the first woman and first Hispanic US Surgeon General, Antonia Novello. Her career was devoted to public health, especially women’s, children’s, and minorities’ health. The story of her life dedicated to serving others, overcoming all kinds of difficulties, and leading by example will inspire readers to challenge the status quo and embrace their potential to create a better, more equitable world for all.”
—Juan Carlos Caicedo, MD.FACS, Professor of Surgery, Surgical Director, Liver Transplant Program, Director, Living Donor Liver Transplant and Hepatobiliary Program, Director, Hispanic Transplant Program, Transplant Surgeon, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Pediatric Transplant Surgeon, Lurie Children’s Hospital, Northwestern Medicine
 
“Dr. Antonia Novello tells the story of her life—medical challenges, professional successes, painful losses, and power at the highest level—all in one nonstop narrative of love and betrayal and bravery. Her story is as much about pain as it is about triumph, but it is mostly about one little sick girl who turns into one powerful medical visionary. My favorite advice from Dr. Novello is this: ‘I only wish I had spent more time loving, less time judging. More hugging, rather than distancing which I did to protect myself from pain.’ Read Duty Calls to discover how to do more hugging and loving, lessons worthy of her amazing life.”
—Timothy Shriver, Chairman, Special Olympics
 
“This book, Duty Calls, is going to challenge you, inspire you, and move you to tears. It is the story of a remarkable woman who dared to speak her mind and use the truth as a weapon to help the most underprivileged. In this book, she shares her personal experiences with honesty, humor, and wisdom. It is an invaluable source where you will get the opportunity to know the story of one of the most influential women of our time told in her own words.”
—Dr. Gustavo Laabes, Primary Care Volunteer Physician, Beige Caps Founder
 
“In this bittersweet memoir, Novello, the first woman and first Hispanic U.S. Surgeon General, reflects on the highs and lows of her life.  With coauthor Tietjen, Novello tells an affecting and complex story.”
—Booklist